Meet Najah Elessie | CEO/ Founder O’daraEwa Exotics
We had the good fortune of connecting with Najah Elessie and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Najah, what do you attribute your success to?
Simply put, God. Being an entrepreneur is rigorous and even lonely at times. There are many sleepless nights, tears and moments of wanting to give up. If I didn’t have prayer and God I wouldn’t have made it this far. I think being able to rely on God’s strength in moments of weakness, worry and doubt is a game changer for sure.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
So I am what they call a “jack of all trades” lol. I do a lot of things professionally, but my overall title would have to be entrepreneur. I have owned my own home health company for over 20 years, founded my skin care brand 5 years ago and founded a mental health Supper Club. When I’m not working on my businesses you can catch me hosting Shades of Beauty, a television show on the LATV Network.
I really love working for myself but I also love being able to provide opportunities for others. I think that’s what really catapults you into success, when you can find ways to help others reach success. I struggled a lot over the years trying to find my way but I never gave up and I always believed in myself even when no one else did.
One of the biggest lessons I learned on this journey is to SAY NO…a lot! Choose your peace. There will be so many things and people that try and pull you in many different directions, but stay focused on your goal and honor your boundaries. I want my brands to be a representation of true Black excellence and my life to be a testimony for Black women that grew up with a life full of trauma but turned their pain into purpose.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I am a foodie and I love a great ambiance. I go back and forth between Orange County and LA so I have spots in both places. All my friends know I have excellent taste in everything so my choices are top tier haha. I love hitingt up wineries and restaurants that are in high end hotels. One of my favorites is Casa Madera inside the Mondrian Hotel. It has the sexiest ambiance! I love Cielo Farms Winery in Malibu, which is absolutely stunning. Arden Restaurant is so cute and dreamy. 10E is a Lebanese spot that has incredible brussels sprouts! Raya at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Beach has the best food ever. I love SET restaurant inside the Pendry Hotel in Newport Beach, another beautiful place with amazing food. The Sunday Brunch at Spagatini’s in Seal Beach is hands down my favprite because it has live music and a great seafood selection. I love Crystal Cove in Laguna Beach, which overlooks the ocean and it’s so peaceful. I also think Fixins’ Soul Kitchen has the best southern food. Their greens and catfish go crazy! Besides food, I love art and museums so the Broad would be a great place to visit as well as Segerstrom Theatre of the Arts for plays and musicals.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I started my brand alone when I was in a very dark space. I had just lost my brother and the depression and anxiety started to show up on my skin. I had horrible acne so while I was on a journey to find products to correct my skin, it led to a self care journey. And along the way some pretty amazing people stepped in to support me. One thing about being an entrepreneur is you may feel like you have to do everything by yourself, but you can’t do it alone. You have to be humble enough to ask for help and to listen to those that have more wisdom than you. There were many people that lifted me up at that time. Shout out to my therapist Cindy! Don’t underestimate the power of therapy y’all. Also my best friend Kwame who showed up every single time I needed anything. My mentor B Pagels Minor, Gabrielle Union and her Lift As we Climb Grant that helped propel my business forward. I mean so many people played a pivotal role in my success, but I have dedicated my skin care line to my late brother Striver who was also an amazing entrepreneur and taught me to strive harder at everything I do and to LIVE while I’m alive.
Website: odaraexoticskin.com
Instagram: @whatnajahdidinheels @odaraskin
Image Credits
Leyla Stefani
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
